Manohar Parrikar passes away at 63; PM Narendra Modi says India will be eternally grateful to 'builder of modern Goa'

Goa Chief Minister M Manohar Parrikar has passed away at 63. In him, Goa has lost its most popular leader. Parrikar also served as the Defence Minister of India. He was at the helm of Defence Ministry when India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016.

Goa Chief Minister M Manohar Parrikar has passed away at 63. In him, Goa has lost its most popular leader. Parrikar also served as the Defence Minister of India. He was at the helm of Defence Ministry when India carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016. In 2017, Parrikar moved back to Goa to take over the chief minister's post in the state after the Assembly elections. Condoling the untimely demise, President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of tweets, "Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress. India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen."

Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress.

Earlier, in the day, Goa Chief Minister`s Office tweeted that the condition of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's health was "extremely critical". "Chief Minister @manoharparrikar`s health condition is extremely critical. Doctors are trying their best," it said. In February last year, Parrikar was diagnosed for advanced pancreatic cancer and has been treated at hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since then. Parrikar was currently being treated at his private residence.

*President Ram Nath Kovind was one of the first to share the untimely demise of Goa Chief Minister and former Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik tweeted, "Deeply saddened by news of the passing away of former Defence Minister of India & Chief Minister, Goa #ManoharParrikar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends & followers. May his soul rest in peace."

Legacy

Parrikar was one of the most popular leaders in Goa and the country's first IITian chief minister. He passed away on Sunday after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year. Parrikar won an overall adulation for nearly two decades for his wit, bluster, charm and audacity. He will go down in history as Goa`s most successful politician ever. Working in tandem with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh veteran Subhash Velingkar, Parrikar was the cornerstone of BJP's rise in Goa, from a party whose candidates routinely lost poll deposit fees in the late 1980s through early 1990s, to a powerful outfit which won a simple majority in 2012. For some in Goa, the BJP became Parrikar and Parrikar became BJP in Goa.

Manohar Parrikar's first stint as CM was in 2000, after he staged an internal coup against a coalition government of Congress rebels supported by his BJP MLAs, when then CM Francisco Sardinha was in Australia. He served as Goa CM on four occasions, but could never complete a full term in office. In his first stint, he dissolved the assembly mid-way. His regime was toppled during the second term as CM. In his third term, he was elevated as Defence Minister. In his fourth term, death snatched him away. (With agency inputs)